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like I said, I think the main reason is that he was getting beaten up inside, normally you don't see guys play "bigger" when they move up a level...think about Long he played a 3-4 DE at Virginia and now hed be more a 3-4 OLB than a DE, I think Carriker needs a shot at DE to see...I'm not saying its going to change his career but I think it would make sense, espcially if we draft Suh, Carriker if anything is UT and Suh is better suited as a UT than NT anyway

Even if moving him from DT somehow solved his injury problems or kept him from getting beat up, it would simply create a new problem in that it highlights his inability to challenge the edge, which limits our pass rush even more. The Rams already have a strong side end in Long; they need someone to replace Little as the quick pass rusher who can challenge the corner and then perhaps redirect inside on a tackle who overextends. Carriker does not have those qualities, which is why just about everyone projected him to be a DT in the 4-3 to begin with.

I don't think a permanent move to end is going to help him at all; I think it will only highlight why he doesn't fit there in a 4-3. His only hope to remain on this team is to beat out other depth at DT. If he's ever used at end, I think it would be in situational short yardage packages where you want more bulk on the line in general.

This idea that the Rams drafted Carriker and then miscast him by moving him to DT instead of keeping him at DE is one of the more frustrating fan arguments I've seen in recent years. The guy came into the combine @ 296 pounds, if I recall. I'm not sure I saw one service or site that had him as a 4-3 end as a pro. The two biggest things that have stopped Carriker from being effective in this league are (1) injuries and (2) bouncing back and forth from NT to UT and not settling into the three-technique spot.

At this point, I really think it's tough to argue someone else other than Suh. The "it's time" QB argument is pretty weak, IMO. Whether it's time or not, you evaluate the players and if someone stands out above the rest (ie. Suh), you take him. Take away a specific team making the pick, and is anyone going to argue one of these QBs over Suh in this class? Really?

Outside fans or mock-makers will argue that the Rams passing on guys like Ryan and Sanchez have contributed to them being one of the worst teams in football the last few years. I'd argue that they'll remain one of the worst teams in football if they pass on better talent because they feel pressured to take a QB.

If the Rams somehow get the #2 pick and Suh is off the board, then I think QB is much more possible (I say that to emphasize that this isn't a case of just being afraid to take a high 1st round QB). But right now, I just don't see how you pass on Suh to take Clausen or Bradford.

Maybe workouts change things, but I think Suh has to be the frontrunner at this point, even with the Rams' need for a QB of the future.

1. My opinion on taking a QB over Suh has been well established, so I'll move on from this one.

2 & 4. Though the OL has been inconsistent this year and ended on a sour note today, I don't see the Rams going OL with two of their first four picks. They currently have better personnal at guard than at tackle, so I'd like to see the Rams look elsewhere in the second round. Calloway in the fourth has my interest peaked.

3. Intriguing pick; I like it. The Rams certainly need help at the position.

5 & 6. Thurmond is a solid pick, though I'm not a huge fan of Pinkard. Still, I don't think additions to the secondary will have much impact without additional improvements to the DL, namely the pass rush, which has been ignored in this mock.

7. Won't fit with the character profile the Rams are looking for, IMO.

Overall, I think the middle rounds are solid, but I'm not a huge fan of what you've projected at the top and bottom rounds of this mock. As always, the effort is appreciated! I know these can be tricky to come up with.

Don't care much for the 1st round pick. I'm not a big Jimmy fan, I think Bradford and Pike would be better picks. (at the QB position)

Blount won't be there in the 7th. He's to talented, some team will take a chance on him earlier in the draft. He would be a great pick in the 4th or 5th round. And NGSeiler I have to disagree with you, Rams need to start taking chances on Questionable Character guys. They don't have the talent to be taking every "bad character" guy off there big board.

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And NGSeiler I have to disagree with you, Rams need to start taking chances on Questionable Character guys. They don't have the talent to be taking every "bad character" guy off there big board.

Perhaps, but I don't think they have a strong enough core to be able to risk resources on questionable character guys. Spagnuolo and company didn't establish the Four Pillars philosophy for one season; while they may be a bit more flexible in the future, I don't expect them to abandon it. Nor do I see much about Blount to make me think he's the guy they'll make the exception.

2 - yes O-Line is a need and I have no problem with the pick, but i just wish we could've seen more of John Greco (played well his rookie year, didn't get much time this year) but as it is I like the pick

3 - I'm not going to say that TE isn't a need but I doubt it is a 3rd round need, NEED to get a LB in the first 3-4 rounds...we started Paris Lenon and a 7th round pick as times this past year

4 - LOVE THE PICK

5 - like it, good positional need and I think the value is right on

6 - wow, if we could get him here i think he could develop nicely after a great career at Bowling Green

7 - don't know much about him, but we most likely will need a back-up RB (and i don't think saying this every 7th round is going to yield results but i digress...)

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Bernie: Do the Rams seem to love Suh as much as pundits and scouts do?

Thomas: Devaney shows he's a good poker player, but we quoted him on record as saying Suh is a top player, #1 prospect though they don't have a board yet. Head coach, defensive oriented. Made his bones in NY with tons of DL talent. Rams depth chart @ DT, came close to setting franchise record of most rushing yards allowed. Moderately better in last few games but run defense up the middle is a problem. Makes all the sense in the world to haver that high a grade on Suh even with all other needs. If he's the best player, there's definitely a spot for him. All signs are they like him a lot.

B: Has Thomas picked up any hints that the Rams could fall in love with a QB? Maybe b/c of great workout?

T: In the position the Rams are in, unless it's the workout of all workouts, doesn't think Sam Bradford fits in. Won't throw until 4-6 weeks before draft. Are some people who like Jimmy Clausen, but enough to take #1 overall? Doesn't see it. THere are people in the building who like McCoy, even some who like Tebow, but the sense is there's no one they like enough to take #1. Now, trade down? Great theory, but Gerald McCoy is pretty good 1B to Suh. So if they want DT, why trade up when you can get McCoy?

B: Rams like CJ Spiller, but you already have a running back. Spiller could return kicks and be a receiver in situations, don't know if SJ will hold up, Spiller is intriguing guy.

T: Rams do like him a lot, and maybe if they had #2 pick Spiller might have been in play even though that's a little high. Bit of a question mark next to centerpiece of offense. SJ is great, won doubters over, but what about his back? Say with rest he'll be fine, but we know RBs hit wall and hit wall suddenly. SJ is young but with workload he gets, they need a bonafide 1A. Then look @ OT position. Wouldn't be surprised if Barron isn't back and Smith is LT next year, but do you feel safe enough with the concussion to make that commitment in 2010? Couple issues that look like strengths but you have to wonder. Complicates how the Rams look @ this offseason.

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As much as I'd like to see the Rams pass on Suh, I'd be more than happy with McCoy.

One thing that will be intersting to watch is, if TB takes Berry or McClain at #3, how the contracts will shake out as far as guaranteed money and overall value go. No skilled position players in the top 3 is not very common. STL's negotiations pre-draft will be intriguing.